Benni settles in for a movie

Service dog-in-training gets to see 'Paddington' at Majestic Cinemas

Photos

Megan Hoitfma and Shannon Rewoldt welcome Blue Path service dog in training and his trainer, Chrisanne Cubby to an afternoon at the Majestic Cinemas. (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)

When the lights go down is the best time to steal popcorn -- but not Benni, the perfect movie date! (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)

Does Benni want to see "Tomb Raider"? One hero deserves another.... (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)

Benni checks out the lobby with trainer Chrisanne Cubby during a special pre-movie tour (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)

Benni at the movies (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)

Two paws up for "Paddington"? (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)

Chrisanne Cubby and Benni (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)

By Frances Ruth Harris

MATAMORAS — Megan Hoitfma and Shannon Rewoldt welcomed Benni, Blue Path service dog-in-training, and his trainer, Chrisanne Cubby of Milford, during a Jan. 29 visit to Majestic Cinemas to see "Paddington."

Allowed to enter early, Benni checked out the lobby with Cubby in tow. Once inside the darkened theater, he settled down on his pad and was relaxed when the movie began.

It's all part of his education. He's been meeting and greeting his way around the county, racking up experiences, so that when he is eventually matched with a child with autism, he won't be thrown for a loop.

Benni continues his path as an A-plus student. He now instantly replies to any voice command from Cubby. He shakes hands, puts both paws up, and rolls over, even with his Blue Path Service Pack on his back, all by verbal commands.

Benni is certified in multiple testing arenas and even has his trick dog certification.

Soon, He will leave Cubby for the next, more intensive phase of his training.

He will celebrate at his dog club on Feb. 7, 2018 where cake will be served in Benni's honor.

Cubby said his farewell cake will be blue and white, Blue Path's colors, and will include ingredients that will allow Benni to have his very own piece.
Editor's note: The original story misspelled the last name of Megan Hoitfma of Majestic Cinemas — which, by the way, is soon to be renamed the Flagship Theater. The Courier regrets the error.